Thing is, we’ve all been there. That nagging feeling that you’re not quite good enough, that any moment someone’s going to figure out you’re a fraud. And now? With the whole world gone remote, that voice in your head is probably having a field day. But here’s the deal: impostor syndrome doesn’t have to win, even when you’re working from your couch in your favorite sweatpants.

Let me tell you a story. Last year, I landed a huge project with a tech giant. Dream come true, right? Wrong. As I sat in my makeshift home office (aka my dining table), I was convinced they’d made a mistake. I mean, who was I to lead this project? But here’s the thing – I did it. And I crushed it. How? By learning to recognize those impostor feelings for what they are: lies our brains tell us.

So, how do we silence that inner critic when our only coworker is our cat? Let’s break it down.

Create a Confidence-Boosting Workspace

First up, create a shrine to your awesomeness. Remember that email where your boss said you’re a coding wizard? Print it out. That certification you worked your butt off for? Frame it. Surround yourself with tangible proof of your skills. Trust me, it helps.

I once taped a particularly glowing performance review to my desk drawer. Every time I opened it to grab a pen, I got a little confidence boost. It’s amazing how these small reminders can shift your perspective.

Maintain Open Communication

Next, communication is key. In the office, you could casually chat with colleagues, getting that instant validation. Now? You’ve gotta be proactive. Schedule virtual coffee dates, join Slack channels, heck, start a weekly ‘impostor syndrome support group’ if you need to. The point is, don’t isolate yourself.

I made it a point to have a quick video call with a coworker every week. We’d discuss our projects, challenges, and successes. It helped me realize that everyone has doubts, and I wasn’t alone in my struggles.

Document Your Successes

Here’s a pro tip: start a “success journal”. Sounds cheesy, I know. But hear me out. Every day, write down one thing you did well. It could be nailing a presentation or just remembering to eat lunch. By the end of the week, you’ll have a list of wins to look back on when self-doubt creeps in.

I started doing this last month, and let me tell you, it’s been eye-opening. On days when I feel like I’m not making progress, I flip through my journal and realize how much I’ve actually accomplished. It’s like a personal cheerleading squad in notebook form.

Practice Self-Compassion

But here’s the real kicker – practice self-compassion. We’re often our own worst critics. Would you talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself? Probably not. So cut yourself some slack. You’re human, after all.

When I catch myself in a negative self-talk spiral, I take a deep breath and ask, “Would I say this to my best friend?” The answer is always no. It’s a simple trick, but it helps me reset my perspective and treat myself with more kindness.

Seek Regular Feedback

Don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. Without those casual office interactions, it’s easy to lose perspective on your performance. Reach out to your supervisor or colleagues. Their input can provide a reality check when your brain is spinning worst-case scenarios.

Last month, I was convinced I was falling behind on a project. Instead of spiraling, I reached out to my team lead for feedback. Turns out, not only was I on track, but she was impressed with my progress. Sometimes, we need that external validation to quiet our inner critic.

Remember, feeling like an impostor doesn’t make you one. You’ve earned your place through hard work, skills, and dedication. Impostor syndrome is just your brain playing tricks on you. So the next time that voice pipes up, tell it to take a hike. You’ve got work to do, and you’re damn good at it.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some coding to do.